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England Under 19s Captain

Former Alton College student Brad Taylor, previously at Eggar’s School, was recently named Captain of England Under 19s by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for their upcoming tour against Sri Lanka and India in Colombo next month. BBC South Today featured Brad on the 6pm news slot, interviewing him whilst the squad were training.

We caught up with the off-spinning all-rounder after his TV appearance to talk about College and his sporting future. ‘I loved my time at Alton College and my tutors were always really helpful, giving me work to complete if I was away playing for England. I’m really grateful for their help as all my hard work has paid off and I’m ready for the challenge of leading the Under 19s squad!’ he explained.

Brad said: ‘Growing up I always had a cricket bat or ball in my hands. I started playing cricket locally at Holybourne Cricket Club and it went on from there. Having the chance to lead the team in Sri Lanka is fantastic, I’m looking forward to it.’‘It was funny being on the TV, BBC South Today just turned up while we were training!’ he added.

During his time at College, Brad studied the BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and achieved Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* alongside his England commitments. Dean Gillatt, teacher of sport said: ’Brad worked hard at college achieving the highest possible grade in his BTEC Extended diploma in sport alongside playing a lot of cricket outside of college. We managed to support him and come up with a bespoke timetable that enabled him to play cricket at the highest level. He is a natural sportsman and one who can pick up any sport very quickly. Brad showed confidence throughout his time at College and a high level of intelligence. He has passion for cricket and a determination to get to the top. He was a pleasure to teach.’

England Development Programme Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, said: ‘The tour to Sri Lanka before Christmas represents the last chance for the players to impress ahead of the final selection of the squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in January and February next year. Adding: ‘We have selected a strong squad based on performances against Australia Under-19s this summer, alongside giving opportunities to a couple of players who haven’t featured at this level before’.

It's going to be a busy couple of months for one rising star at Hampshire Cricket. Brad Taylor is heading to Sri Lanka next month with England Cricket Under 19's and the off spinner has some extra responsibilities